Examining religion

How ought we to live?
What is real and true?
What do people hold to be sacred?
What are human moral obligations?
Understand how religion shapes culture

quote by william scott green, editor of "Journal of the Am. Academy of Religion"

Religious tolerance "is not simply a matter of acceptance of mere difference; it is tolerance of irreconcilable difference...The sutdy of religion can (contribute) to the pluralistic society the constitution mandates. American democratic pluralism requires a public that can respect difference. But we cannot respect what we cannot understand...respect for differences does not come naturally; it has to be taught and it has to be learned...Religion is at the core of American pluralism and grounds a rich American heritage of toleration. It therefore, stands to reason that the study of religion can be--and should be-0-basic to an American education." (William Scott Green, editor of "Journal of the American Academy of Religion

UW Oshkosh religious studies Department

The many lens through which we examine religion makes Religious Studies exciting. Students study how religious meanings often become embodied in sacred texts such as the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), Koran, Bhagavad Gita, and the New Testament, examine the major religious traditions of the world. Examples are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. Compare divergent religious ethics, learn about tribal religions and "New Religious Movements," and assess the impact of religions in various cultures. Students may also concentrate their studies on women and religion, religion and culture, or religion and ecology.